§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with representatives of the agricultural industries about his proposals for water extraction; and if he will make a statement. [52645]
17W
§ Angela EagleThe Government published a consultation paper on the Review of the Water Abstraction Licensing System in England and Wales on 19 June. The paper takes account of the wide range of submissions we received, including contributions from all the major bodies with an interest in agricultural issues. We are inviting responses to the detailed proposals contained in the consultation paper by 7 September. Representatives of the National Farmers Union discussed the Review when they met my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 2 July.